Chalmers Opticians, an independent Opticians in Roath, has announced the launch of two recycling schemes to help minimise unnecessary plastic waste. In a bid to reduce the numbers of spectacles and contact lenses sent to landfill, members of the public can drop off their old frames and used contact lenses to the practice for them to be recycled.
59% of the UK population wear spectacles and considering that many of us update our frames at least every one or two years, that means a huge number of discarded glasses are filling up landfill every year. What’s more, over 780 million contact lenses are thrown away annually in the UK. If not thrown away correctly, individual lenses can end up in our water system and contribute to micro plastic waste.
The recycling schemesare just two of a range of green initiatives being offered by Chalmers Opticians as they seek more environmentally friendly ways to operate. The practice are now also stockists of Eco Eyewear, whose frames are created from recycled ocean-based plastics. Eco Eyewear also work with Trees for the Future to plant a tree for every frame purchased.
In addition to recycling schemes and sustainable frames, the practice has a lens spray refilling station. Patients of Chalmers Opticians are welcome to visit whenever they need more lens spray and top up their existing bottle, rather than purchasing a new one.
“We are very proud to have both frames and contact lens recycling schemes available in our practice,” said Optometrist Ian Chalmers. “We dispense many pairs of spectacles and contact lenses to the local community and want to ensure we are as environmentally aware as possible about their long-term impact. We are also delighted to be stocking Eco Eyewear; each purchase will help the company continue its fantastic work with Trees for the Future and recycling plastic waste.”
To recycle your spectacles and contact lenses with Chalmers Opticians, simply pop into the practice on Albany Road with your old frames and contact lenses.The practice will also accept contact lens blister packs and foil covers but cannot take solution bottles.
With over 45,000 patients Chalmers Opticians is one of the leading optical practices in South Wales for the development of new technology and personal eye care. The practice specialises in all areas of eye care and has leading edge technology with state-of-the-art equipment for eye examinations in visual field assessment and Fundus photography. The team aim to ensure your visit is both pleasant and successful and are committed to providing an unsurpassed level of care. For more information, please visit www.chalmersopticians.co.uk.